Which Vitamins Do Men Really Need?

According to the CDC, vitamins are defined as “any of a group of organic compounds that are essential for normal growth, development and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they cannot be synthesized by the body.”

While vitamins are organic substances (made by plants or animals), minerals are inorganic elements that come from the earth, soil and water and are absorbed by plants.

Simple enough, right?

While all experts seem to agree that the best way to get your vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods, they also seem to always be weighing in on which vitamins you need and which ones you don’t. In addition, doctors say that different people need different nutrients at different times in their lives.

So, what are the most important vitamins for men, for total and long-lasting wellness?

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most essential of all vitamins, and is a very important antioxidant that protects the body by controlling free radicals that attack the healty cells of the body.

Recent research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk for colon cancer, and one study found that men with low levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to have a heart attack as men with normal levels.

Vitamin D becomes even more important with age, because it’s needed to absorb calcium and helps prevent weak muscles and bones.

It’s important to note that too much vitamin D can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, so you should stay below 2,000 IU [international units] unless your doctor advises otherwise.

How to get more: Good sources of vitamin D include salmon, sardines, cod liver oil, milk, cheese, egg yolk, orange juice, yogurt, and fortified breakfast cereal. Experts also say that since it can sometimes be hard to get enought vitamin D from food, many men can also benefit from taking 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.